Deadline Nearing to Receive Discount on NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Program Registration

BROOKFIELD, Wis. – Since 1981, the National Funeral Directors Association’s (NFDA) Pursuit of Excellence Award program has recognized hundreds of funeral homes worldwide for maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards, and continually evaluating and improving programs and services. Firms that register on or before February 1, 2013, will save $25 on the participation fee. Award recipients that have previously been inducted into the NFDA Hall of Excellence will receive an even greater savings.

To earn a Pursuit of Excellence Award, an NFDA-member funeral home must meet or exceed business standards set forth by the program and demonstrate proficiency in key areas of funeral service, such as compliance with state and federal regulations; providing ongoing education and professional development opportunities for staff; offering outstanding programs and resources to families; maintaining an active level of involvement in the community; active participation in the funeral service profession; and promoting funeral home services through a variety of marketing, advertising and public relations programs. Participants are also required to adhere to a Pledge of Ethical Practices.

NFDA honors the funeral homes that earn a Pursuit of Excellence Award during its annual International Convention & Expo. Award recipients are also recognized in NFDA’s monthly magazine, The Director, on NFDA’s website and in other communications.

To help award recipients publicize their achievement and status as one of the profession’s leading firms, they receive a suite of promotional materials, including a press release template; program logo to place on business documents, funeral home website, etc.; a publication-ready advertisement; and more. Award recipients may also purchase commemorative merchandise if they choose.

Funeral homes that wish to qualify for the Pursuit of Excellence award must register for the program, pay the participation fee and submit an entry that demonstrates proficiency in key areas of funeral service. The 2013 participation fees are:

Early-bird participation fee (on or before February 1, 2013): $270

Standard participation fee (after February 1, 2013): $295

New in 2013: Hall of Excellence Inductee (inducted in 2012 or earlier): $250

Entries may be submitted online or by mail. The deadline to submit an entry for the 2013 Pursuit of Excellence program is July 12, 2013. To learn more about the program, including entry requirements, visit www.nfda.org/pursuitofexcellence and click on the “Registration and Application Materials” link."